Simeone disappointed with referees after Atletico’s Club World Cup exit

Diego Simeone expressed his frustration with officiating after Atletico Madrid’s elimination from the Club World Cup — despite securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo in their final Group B match.

The Spanish side finished third with six points — level with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo, but fell short on goal difference following their heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG early in the tournament.

“Proud of the boys’ work. We gave everything we had. We won two out of three matches but sadly we’re out,” Simeone told DAZN.

“With six points it shouldn’t be bad, but the match against PSG condemned us — where every refereeing decision always went against us. Today there was also a penalty decision overturned after VAR,” he added.

Antoine Griezmann starred in the win over Botafogo by scoring the decisive goal, while goalkeeper Jan Oblak shone with several crucial saves.

“We can’t focus on the referee. Sometimes we’re not at our best, and we must acknowledge that,” said Griezmann after the match.